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it's election season, Beehaw, so — what are your thoughts on compulsory (mandatory) voting? (beehaw.org)

submitted 2 weeks ago by alyaza@beehaw.org to c/askbeehaw@beehaw.org

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good idea/bad idea, necessary democratic reform or authoritarian imposition? are there better or worse ways to do it?

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[–] Breve@pawb.social 5 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) (1 children)

I would suggest in the future that instead of spoiling your ballot you can decline your ballot instead. Spoiled ballots are considered rejected because it's not clear if you meant to vote for someone but messed up versus not wanting to vote. Declined ballots are separately counted and will show political parties that there are eligible voters who went through the work to show up but intentionally did not want to support any candidates on the ballot.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/ontario-votes-2022-declined-ballots-rise-1.6466308

[–] Butterbee@beehaw.org 3 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

Thank you! I didn't know you could just do that! Though it's been a long time since I spoiled the ballot and I do actually just vote now. But if things are that bad again I'll know what to do.

Edit: No I can't. The option is only available in provincial elections and only available in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. If you live in one of those provinces though, it's a good option!